Philippine Muslim Today by Philippine Muslim Today

Ranting pays off for Bangsamoro midwife

LESSONS FROM PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTS

Ali G. Macabalang | A8

Homobono A. Adaza | A8

MSU main campus to host Ulama Leaders Summit (ULS2021)

Minister of Loneliness, anyone?

Julmunir I. Jannaral | A7

Abdul Hannan M. Tago | A10

Muslim today PHILIPPINE

Save the Earth

The Muslim National Digital Newspaper | Bearer of Glad Tidings.

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442) | 2 Sections | 16 Pages

TO ADVERTISE TEXT

09152184388 09778430218

NCMF expresses alarm over arrests of Muslims on suspicion as terrorists GREETINGS OF PEACE Ijtihad By MEHOL K. SADAIN

t is normal to hear Muslims greet people by saying ―Assalaamu alaikum‖ or simply ―Salaam‖. It is so common that many take the ―peace greeting‖ for granted, the Muslims included. The non-Muslims say the Muslims do not really mean it, because while they say ―Peace be upon you‖, or while they assert that Islam comes from the word ―salama‖ or ―aslama‖ which means peace, violence continue to haunt Muslim lands... (Full Story on Page A7)

A3 BANGSAMORO Adiong reaffirms support for BTA extension call

Governor Bombit Adiong travelled from Marawi City towards Cotabato City on Thursday to confer with the Bangsamoro government leadership and convey his reaffirmation of support to the call for the BTA extension.

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ational Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando told the Philippine Muslim Today that based on the police report, the recent offensive involves elements of the National Intelligence Coordinating Council (NICA), the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and the NCRPO Regional Force Battalion which jointly raided a construction site known as Yuking Construction, Inc. in Barangay Mambog 4, Bacoor City, Cavite.

Full Story on Page A2

A13 MINDANAO

A11 DIPLOMATIC UPDATE

B1 TOURISM

MinDA cattle program piloted in 5 provinces like Lanao Sur, Misamis Oriental

Australian Ambassador makes first visit to Sulu

The Chinese Entrepreneurs: A Huge Factor in the Economic Development of Tawi-Tawi

Five provinces in the south have been eyed as pilot areas for the Mindanao Development Authority (MInDA), with officials of Lanao del Sur and Misamis Oriental sounding off interest in joining the venture to augment existing life-enhancing projects in their respective turfs.

Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson talks to the soldiers of the 11th Infantry Division in Jolo, Sulu. He reiterated that the Philippines and Australia have been allies for over 75 years and the relationships between the two countries are robust and enduring.

There were only less than twenty families of Chinese origin who settled in the old town of Bongao after the Philippine liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945. They engaged in small business enterprises ranging from breadmaking (bakery), food vendors, shopkeepers and many others.

The Community

NCMF expresses alarm over arrests of Muslims suspected as terrorists

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

SPDA presents PEACE concept programs for the MNLF, families By Julmunir I. Jannaral

By Julmunir I. Jannaral

OMMONWEALTH AVENUE, Quezon City: NCMF Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando told the Philippine Muslim Today that based on the police report, the recent offensive involves elements of the National Intelligence Coordinating Council (NICA), the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and the NCRPO Regional Force Battalion which jointly raided a construction site known as Yuking Construction, Inc. in Barangay Mambog 4, Bacoor City, Cavite. According to Mando, a number of construction workers were reportedly arrested merely based on raw information of an alleged presence of Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the area. He said in the early dawn of 17 February 2021, some workers were preparing for their usual daily tasks while others were praying their dawn Fajar prayers when the site was raided. He said workers of the said site including the wife of a welder, a nutritionist, who is bound for abroad were held at gunpoint by the raiding team. Quoting witnesses, Mando divulged that non-uniformed men entered the property. Adding, those arrested were nowhere to be found as of press time. Commissioner Mando also emphasized ―my office considers the arrest and detention of poor Muslim construction workers appalling and a violation of human rights. Under the cover of being tough on crime, some law enforcers are targeting Muslims as part of a strategy that relies merely on suspicion just because they are Muslims.‖ As this developed, the NCMF commissioner called for the immediate release of those workers who are not in any way connected with

Abdulghani “Gerry” A. Salapuddin, administrator and concurrently the chief executive officer (CEO) of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) has presented the Mujahideen PEACE Village concept, a holistic and comprehensive socio-economic program that intends to settle the MNLF combatants in their former camps. (Contributed Photo)

FACE THE MEDIA: Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) is being interviewed by members of the Media, as he divulged that some Muslim Filipinos are being suspected by law enforcers as terrorists. (Contributed Photo) It can be recalled, any crime and the pros- ment capabilities and aside from advancing support these to adeecution of those who are the interest and welfare quately and effectively proven to be in conflict of Muslim Filipinos, contain the menace of with the law. Commissioner Mando is ―It is unfortunate that terrorist acts for the very active in peacethose wrongfully arrest- preservation of national ed have allegedly been security and the promo- building activities being the current spokespermaltreated despite intro- tion of general welfare. son of Yes for Peace – I am therefore appealducing themselves as Bayanihan ng Bayan, a ing to the Muslim commere poor construction consensus building and munities to police their workers who just want to people‘s participation provide sustenance for ranks and not to be advocacy campaign their families,‖ he added. infiltrated by anyone Mando continued, perceived as an enemy that has engaged over 15 million Filipinos ―they were arrested, of the state so that across the Philippines those who just wanted handcuffed and were since it was initiated in brought to a still un- to earn an honest living 1988 by students of the and to make both ends known place.‖ University of the Philipmeet for their families ―Without doubt, there pines System in Diliis an urgent need to will not get affected.‖ man. Quezon City. JIJ strengthen law enforce- Mando concluded.

he Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) presented socioeconomic programs intended for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) here in this city recently. This is considering the fact that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants are already attended to by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the process of decommissioning and normalization. Abdulghani "Gerry" A. Salapuddin, administrator and concurrently the chief executive officer (CEO) of SPDA and his team presented to the Mujahideen PEACE Village concept, a holistic and comprehensive socio-economic program that intends to settle the MNLF combatants in their former camps that are conducive for development. The PEACE Village proposed the creation of an inter-agency task force of all the concerned agencies of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government to implement the program. Salapuddin said the word peace literally means the absence of war, threat or danger. But he further explained that the word PEACE also stands for People Economic Advancement and Community Empowerment, a holistic and sustainable concept of development. Salapuddin said the SPDA is trying to do away from the piece meal concept like in the past because it did not yield the desired results.

BARMM mulls over strategic communication plan for far-flung constituents COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Government, in partnership with the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), continues to intensify its reach on the grassroots level by crafting a development communication plan that addresses concerns, policies, and programs often inquired by said sector. On Feb 23-24, the regional government’s Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) and Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) contributed to a consultation workshop led by IBS

By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL dubbed “Development of Communication Messaging”. IBS, a non-government organization, designed the program to seek inputs from media experts and the regional government, and develop a communication plan specifically on message content and delivery strategies for its advocacy project called ‘Citizen’s Engagement for Inclusive Policy and Programs in the Bangsamoro’. The communication

plan output of the activity falls under the three components of IBS’s advocacy project such as policy papers for legislation, the link of the academe and Bangsamoro region, and local communications. News correspondent/ columnist Nash Maulana, Brigada News FM Cotabato radio news and public affair anchor Mohammad Ali Matabalao, and BIODirector Ameen Andrew Alonto were among the speakers invited. Maulana highlighted in

his presentation the importance of identifying effective media platforms and workable communication channels to help bring or deliver messages to the target audience. “In order for the Bangsamoro people to better understand the programs that the Bangsamoro Government wants to implement, it is necessary to develop a message that will open their minds to what ‘Moral Governance’ really is,” Maulana said in his native language. BARMM | A13

SUARA (Voice) of the MNLF: Former Radio Anchor of Suara Malaysia Alhabsi “Adung” Hassan and a former Sulu Assemblyman of defunct ARMM (with a microphone) stresses a point on the rationale of the creation of Bangsamoro Party (BAPA) where the MNLF is slated to field their own political candidates once BAPA is approved or accredited by the Comelec. (Contributed Photo) SPDA | A7

The Community 5 fires hit Marawi; No fire truck despite 2018 P85-M fund release

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

Adiong reaffirms support for BTA lifespan extension call By Ali G. Macabalang

Fires that gutted a public pilot school in Evacuees shelters in Marawi’s Sagonsongan evacuees shelters. COTABATO CITY — Five fires have struck the Marawi City this year alone but residents could just watch structures gutting down because the wartorn ―Islamic‖ community has no fire truck yet despite reported release in 2018 of P96-million national fund for fire prevention facilities, according to Philippine Muslim Today news sources. Latest of the fire ate up on Feb. 18 a school building near the temporary shelter camp at barangay Sangonsongan of some of thousands of residents displaced in the infamous May 23, 2017 siege of the city by combined militants of the dawla Islamiya (of Maute brothers) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that sparked five months of firefights with security forces. The Sagonsongan blaze brought to five the number of fire incidents in the city this year, according to Fire Officer 2 Daud M. Macabantog, fire and arson investigator of the Marawi City Fire Station. The four other incidents happened earlier in Sarimanok, Maxine, Basak Malutlut and Kilala, Macabantog said. Macabantog, using ―Gen Sui‖ as alias, was the first local authority to come out and respond to a post in the ―Amanah Tapatan Forum‖ Facebook page seeking clarification on the whereabouts of P96.4-million funds indicated in the 2018 special allotment release order (SARO) for construction of BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) facilities (P7.3M), installation of fire hydrants (P3.5M), and purchase of BFF equipment, supplies and materials (P85M). An image of the 2018 SARO was posted by Aslani ―Toti‖ Cabugatan Montila, chairperson, Siyap ko Pagtaw Inc. and concurrent spokesperson of Development Assistance Team, Independent Monitoring Group, for all projects of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) relative to rehabilitation strides in the city. ―Based on information, the P85M was used to purchase 2 Hazmat (shuttle) trucks, 1 rescue vehicle and 1 ambulance unit,‖ Montila said, expressing wonder why no fire truck was included when Marawi City has been bereft of fire trucks since 2017. According to an earlier online report, the city used to have four fire trucks, but the ISIS-inspired militants one unit and torched the three others along with the old city‘s fire station building. Montila believed the P96-M fire prevention facilities-intended funds were coursed through the TFBM, being the lead entity for all rehabilitation efforts in Marawi. The Philippine Muslim Today news tried but failed to gather reactions from City Mayor Majul Gandamra and TFBM officials, who also have yet to comment on the ―Amanah Tapatan Forum‖ post that solicited words from them. Macabantog said the TFBM has recently announced an upcoming donation of four fire trucks from China, something he believed to be a reason why the Task Force did not purchase a fire truck of the P85M fund. He said the city has no fire hydrant yet despite the allocation of the 2018 P3.5M fund for installation of fire hydrants, adding that the hitch was spawned by the absence of main water pipelines in the city. FIRES | A14

OTABATO CITY — Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal ―Bombit‖ Adiong Jr. and his entourage travelled from Marawi City towards here on Thursday to confer with the

Bangsamoro autonomous government leadership and convey his reaffirmation of support to the call for extension in the transitional operation of the regional bureaucracy.

Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo ushered Adiong to the regional executive building here where Chief Minister Ahod ―Hadji Murad‖ Ebrahim and Regional Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua welcomed the visiting governor and his entourage. In his conversation with the CM Ebrahim, the Lanao Sur chief executive ―reaffirmed his earlier commitment of support to extend the (lifespan) of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) for another three years,‖ Parliament Member Zia AlontoAdiong said in a brief statement sent to the Philippine Muslim Today news. Before the Jan. 21, 2019 plebiscite, the governor Adiong campaigned rigorously for the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Lanao del Sur and the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (R.A. 11054) and yielded 98% out of the overall registered voters in the province (voting) in favor of the BOL, MP Adiong said. MP Adiong‘s statement, sent to the Philippine Muslim Today news by Minister Sinarimbo, was coupled with three photos showing Gov. Adiong and CM Ebrahim in their huddle and a posterity pictorial

pulse of the local executives about the proposal. In a phone interview with the PMT, Gov. Adiong confirmed that ―most‖ of the mayors had aired sentiments about a litany of ―unfulfilled promises‖ during the BOL ratification campaign by dignitaries now running the BTA parliament and cabinet. But Adiong took exception to published reports that the meeting had come up with a dissenting stand on the call for extension. ―There was no formal manifesto out of the meeting,‖ recalled

POSTERITY POSE: Lanao Sur Gov. Bombit Adiong (3td from left) in a posterity pose with BARMM key officials led by Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim, Executive Secretary Abdsulraof Macacua, Ministers Eduard Guerra of Public Works and Naguib Sinarimbo of Local Government, MP Zia Alonto-Adiong, and Marantao Mayor Akhira Alonto. (Photo supplied) among the host and visiting dignitaries. In the early stage of transition extension calls last November, Gov. Adiong and his 39 constituent mayors converged in Marawi City where ―most‖ of the municipal chief executives were overheard as airing sentiments about a litany of alleged ―unfulfilled promises‖ by dignitaries now running the regional government. On the heels of reports about calls for BTA transition extension last November, Gov. Adiong and his 39 mayors met in Marawi City for him to get the

Gov. Adiong, who was later reported as rallying the formal endorsement of the 39-member Lanao del Sur Mayor‘s League led by Butig Mayor Jimmy Pansar for the postponement of the 2022 election of regular parliament members to 2025. Adiong‘s recent meeting with CM Murad has ―cemented‖ his ―reaffirmation of support,‖ according to officials present at the meeting here. The Adiong-Ebrahim meeting was also witnessed by Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra and Marantao, Lanao del Sur Mayor Akhira Alonto. AGM

IBP-LDS chapter to elect 2021 officers; 3 vie for president COTABATO CITY — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Lanao del Sur (IBP-LDS) chapter is set for the conduct of election of its 2021 officers on Saturday, Feb. 27, with three renowned nominees for the chapter‘s top post, THREE NOMINEES: Journalist-lawyer Dimapuno “Pangnal” Datu Ramos, retired Elecoutgoing officers con- tions Commissioner Elias Yusoph, and Adom Aguam-Macarambon, all Meranaw lawfirmed Thursday. yers. Incumbent chapter Macalandap said their chapter has some 300 President Mino Macalandap named the three nominees as journalist-lawyer Dimapuno ―Pangnal‖ Datu members but only 188 have been ―active‖ and will Ramos, retired Elections Commissioner Elias be the ones to elect the new set of officers at the Yusoph, and Adom Aguam-Macarambon, all Meran- provincial government capitol conference hall in Marawi City. aw lawyers. IBP-LDS | A13

Across Mindanao

Contractors of 3 bridges in Lanao Sur assure completion in 2021; lack of highway maintenance works bared

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

Maranao leaders support BTA extension

By ALI G. MACABALANG

OTABATO CITY — Protracted construction works on three bridges along Mulondo-Wao highway in Lanao del Sur have finalThe family of Abdulraheem D. Hadjimalic, ownermanager of CDH Construction firm involved in the projects, made the reassuring announcement on Monday, Feb. 22 amid viral exchanges of words among local professionals and concerned personalities in the Bangsamoro region reacting to a dialoginstigating message posted earlier in the day by this writer on ―Amanah Tapatan Forum‖ (formerly New Mindanao Watch) of the Facebook. Hadjimalic and his son Mohammad Fahad Mocsir HadjiMalic apologized for the inconvenience caused to commuters by the stunted construction works, explaining in private messages to this writer that the delay stemmed from phase-by-phase fund releases that started in 2012. Meanwhile, residents including local government personnel and other construction firms had lamented that while highways surrounding Lanao del Sur and segments along the Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway linking the province to Maguindanao ―have started gradual improvements, grasses continued to grow as high as three meters tall along roadsides because of ―absence of highway maintenance funds.‖ Earlier, some nitizens aired dismay over uncomfortable experiences in passing through detours of the three bridges along Maguing town, prompting this writer to float their sentiments in a post titled ―3 bridges along Maguing, Lanao Sur unfinished despite releases of funds long ago, commuters complained.‖ In the trade of com-

ly got fund allocations to complete the projects ―within this year,‖ according to local contractors.

Datu Alexander “Abdulrauf” P. Mama-o, Chairman of the Solid Alliance for Peace Progress Reforms and Democracy expressed full support for BTA extension.

MULONDO-WAO ROAD: A segment of the Mulondo-Wao road when freshly finished in 2015. ments, including satirical reactions, Dr. Anshari P. Ali, chancellor of the Gen. Santos City campus of the Mindanao State University, batted in to confirm that he ―personally passed by the 3 bridges and we found them looking like (they were) just started but we heard that said projects were certified as completed projects.‖ The three bridges form part of the construction of 53-kilometer Mulondo-Wao road, which the national government on instigation of Gov. Bombit AlontoAdiong launched in 2012 to end decades of isolation of Amai Manabilang and Wao towns in road link from Marawi City and the rest of Lanao del Sur. In August 2015, Gov. Adiong announced the completion of 41 kilometers of the total stretch, saying that succeeding appropriations would eventually lead to full opening of concreted highway between Marawi City and Wao. He said the project was cherished by his constituents and his father, the late former governor and ex-congressman Mamintal Sr. as a ―provincial dream.‖ The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), through its Region 10 office in Cagayan de Oro City, had awarded to local contractors the opening and concreting of the 53

-kilometer road alongside six bridges. One of the contractors was the FIAT Construction firm owned by Hadji Farouk Macarambon, who reported on Monday that his team had ―finished‖ its 20-kilometer assignment ―four years ago.‖ Hadjimalic said his CDH Construction was awarded 17.5-kilometer of the stretch along Maguing town including the controversial three bridges. As of Monday, he said, the road concreting assignment was more than ―80 percent‖ completed. The remaining uncompleted 800-meter section has been allocated fund under the 2021 General Appropriations Act expected to be released soon for the DPWH-Region 10 to issue Notice to Proceed, according to Hadjimalic‘s son, who owns the Lecar Builders undertaking the unfinished road section. ―Rest assure sir that we will work hard to finish (the 800-meter section)…Taga (Maguing) po kami mismo… and it is our pride and honor na taposin at gandahan ang projects (ncluding bridges) kase at the end of the day kami po at aming mga kababayan ang pangunahing makikinabang,‖ Mohammad Fahad, told the Philippine Muslim Today news. Mohammad Fahad apologized for his earlier adverse

remarks, hinting that he and his father thought the social media post was meant to besmirch their family and companies‘ reputation. The father explained that their works on the three bridges received Phase 1 funding in 2016 and the Phase 2 fund has been incorporated in the 2021 GAA for release possibly this quarter or the next. Once the Phase 2 fund is released, the Abdulmalics assured that works on the bridges would be finished in three to six months. Reiterating plea for understanding on public inconvenience over the non-completion of the bridges, the father said his family has even spent its own funds for the construction of the detour routes, denying allegations that commuters were being compelled to pay 20-pesos per vehicle. ―I can‘t allow my family to consume something haram,‖ the father said in the vernacular. Lack of road maintenance Meanwhile, FIAT Company owner Macarambon urged the media to help bring to the attention of national authorities about the ―absence of highway maintenance funds,‖ hinting that such problems have been perennial ―only in ARMM and CONTRACTORS | A13

LIGAN CITY — A group of Maranao professional and traditional leaders has declared unconditional support for the extension of the Bangsamoro transition government from 2022 until 2025. In an interview, Datu Alexander ―Abdulrauf‖ P. Mama-o, Chairman of the Solid Alliance for Peace Progress Reforms and Democracy (SAP-PRD) told the Philippine Muslim Today they unconditionally support the proposal for Congress to enact a law that will authorize the extension of term of office of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). ―The three-year transition term is not enough for the BTA to realize the key programs and projects they have started and wish to finish,‖ said Mama-o who is the, reigning Cabugatan sa Bayang (crowned Prince of Bayang). Datu Mama-o, a long-serving former Regional Director of the Department of Transportation-Land Transportation Office Caraga Region (1995-2002, and 2017), said that the BTA-BARMM, including its newly created offices, had less time to work on their operational plans citing the effect of the outbreak of the dreaded Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID 19), which stalled the implementation of ongoing and incoming projects, especially infrastructure programs, as well as the day-to-day performances of their offices. Aside from Datu Mama-o, SAP-PRD leaders also include traditional leaders of the Gapa-o Balindong, Datu a Dimasangkay Usop Baser-Cadar, and Sultan a Romapunut Hadji Nasser Simbar, a member of the 16 royal caliphs of Taraka, Lanao del Sur, Meanwhile, other SAP-PRD leaders like Datu a Dimasangkay Usop Cadar and Sultan Romapunut Hadji Nasser Simbar, both from Gapa-o Balindong, in separate occasion held in Taraka, Lanao del Sur, on February 11, 2021, similarly made public their strong support to the BTA-BARMM extension of term of office. They echoed the earlier pronouncement of the Cabugatan sa Bayang Datu Alexander P. Mama-o, saying in their Maranao vernacular, ―mogop tano ko ka-aprub angkanan a kitab sa midayono membro sa BTA so galbuk iran ka antano mailay so kamapiyaan tano ko manga ingud tano sa Ranao lalambo a Taraka.‖ (Let us support the approval/grant of the BTA term extension [of office] to allow them to continue their important works in order to realize further progress and development in Lanao del Sur, more especially Taraka.) Mama-o said the BTA term extension, if granted by the Congress and enacted into law, will usher in strengthened peace, progress, and development in the mainland and island provinces covered by the Bangsamoro homeland. ―The incumbent Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, as well as the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Minister Dickson P. Hermoso will have ample time in implementing projects and programs aimed at modernizing the fleet of public conveyance on land and sea, including air and telecommunications facilities in the BARMM, which will augur well as regards the economy and tourism industry in the Bangsamoro Region, as articulated by Datu Mamao, an experienced transportation system strategist for decades who hails from Lanao del Sur,‖ Mama-o said. MNY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

Across Mindanao

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

Special Report: Bangsamoro parliament approves new civil service law By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on Wednesday approved

another one of its priority legislations – the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code (BCSC).

The code will govern the conduct of civil servants, prescribe qualifications for nonelective positions, adopt an independent and credible merit and fitness system, protect civil service eligibles in various government positions, including government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and provide rules on disciplinary authority over the Bangsamoro Government‘s officials and employees. At least 67 BTA members by nominal voting voted both physically and via zoom for the approval of Cabinet Bill No. 59. None of the members voted against nor abstained. Member of Parliament (MP) Engr. Aida Silongan filed the BCSC in the plenary on July 27 last year. She was the chair of the cabinet committee tasked to draft the bill. The bill underwent panel consultations on November 9 – 11, 2020. It was approved with amendments at the committee level on January 26 and was reported back to the plenary on January 28. MPs and proponents Deputy Majority Floor Leader lawyers Raisa Jajurie and Anna Tarhata Basman took

samoro Government‘s policy to promote inclusivity for Moro and nonMoro indigenous peoples and accelerate the development of the areas occupied by them. Shari‘ah Bar Eligibility Article 120 of the code provides that passing the Shari‘ah bar shall be considered as an eligibility appropriate for appointment to first and second level positions, provided that they are college degree holders at the time they took the bar. This except positions covered by bar/ board/ special laws and/or those that require other special eligibilities as may be determined by the Civil Service Commission. For the Shari‘ah Bar passers who do not have college degrees when they took the bar examinations, the eligibility shall be for appointment to first level positions. ―This is based on the ORAOHRA provisions, and it emanates from Supreme Court decisions which has the power over the administration of the Shari‘ah Bar,‖ Jajurie said. Madaris Asatidz In the case of the madaris teachers, the code provides that the Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to set the standards for their qual-

the lead in defending the bill from other BTA members during the period of interpellation held on Feb. 16 – 17, as well as in the period of amendment on Feb. 23. MP Jajurie said that under RA No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the parliament is directed to enact a civil service law, provided that is shall be in accordance with existing national laws, such as the Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions (ORAOHRA) and the Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RACCS). Special exams for IPs in BARMM It is provided in the new civil service code that special examinations for Indigenous Peoples shall be requested by the Bangsamoro Government to be administered by appropriate government agencies. ―Ang ipinaglalaban ng provision na ito ay we want the examination giving bodies, like the Civil Service Commission, to conduct special exams to make that kind of eligibility, that require those examination, more reachable to our communities,‖ MP Basman said. Article 16 of the BCSC states that this is in line with Bang-

ifications, appointments, and promotions as provided in the Bangsamoro Education Code (BEC). Pending its enactment, the Commission shall base such rules and regulations on the recommendations of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE). MP Basman explained that the qualification standards for the madaris teachers will be defined in the BEC as it is the code that is devoted to the BARMM‘s education system. ―We are envisioning a scenario where unique positions that are available to madaris teachers are going to be available in the Bangsamoro education system,‖ Basman said. Third level positions As a general rule in the Commission, third level positions are presidential appointees. In the exercise of Bangsamoro Government‘s autonomy, no career position in the BARMM is presidential appointee. ―Ang pinaka-basis nito is the facts on the ground,‖ Jajurie explained. On the other hand, Basman emphasized SPECIAL REPORT | A14

BARMM allots P1.85-B infra projects for NorthCot, Cotabato City in 2021 COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government through its Ministry of Public Works (MPW) has allotted P1.85-billion infrastructure projects for all 37 barangays in this city and 63 villages in North Cotabato now encompassed by the new autonomous region. The allocation is part of Ministry of Public Works‘ (MPW‘s) 2021 budget worth more than 15 billion pesos, said MPW Minister Eduard Guerra in a statement released by the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO). The MPW-pipelined projects for the 63 villages in North Cotabato include 63 road projects, three bridge projects, and a slope protection project worth 1.48 billion pesos in total, the BIO said. The 63 barangays are located in Pikit, Pigcawayan, Kabacan, Midasayap and Carmen towns where resident-voters voted for inclusion in the territory of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the February 2019 plebiscite. Under the MPW schedules, Pikit has the biggest budget of P445-million for 22 road projects; followed by Pigcawayan with P298.96-M for 12 road projects worth P231.96-M, a bridge project worth P60-M, and a slope protection project worth P7-M; and Kabacan with P279.2-M for seven road projects worth P259.2-million and a P20-M bridge project, the BIO said. The towns of Midsayap, Carmen, and Aleosan will receive infrastructure projects this year worth P217-million, P208-million, and P32-million, respectively, the BIO added.

BARMM Public Works Minister Eduard Guerra This city, on the other hand, is allotted P370-M pesos worth of road and other public works in all of its 37 barangays. ―These projects will stimulate economic activities in the areas, and will also improve people‘s access to social services,‖ Minister Guerra was quoted as saying. The allocations followed assessments and result of completed pre-engineering activities, submission of engineering documents, and approval of the chief minister, according to MPW. Meanwhile, stakeholders have urged the BARMM leadership to heed the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) campaign for the formation of inter-agency provincial monitoring bodies to monitor implementation of infrastructure projects, including those major related undertakings facing delays. In related news, the office of North Cotabato Governor Nancy Alaan Catamco has lauded the BARMM governance for providing the 63 proautonomy villages in her province shares from the regional infrastructure projects. ―Their (63 barangays‘) option for coverage by BARMM has been paying off well. We see prospects for faster growth in such Bangsamorodominated communities,‖ a technical staff quoted Gov. Catamco as saying Wednesday. Catamco, the first elected governor from the IP sector in North Cotabato, also appreciated the MinDA revived thrust for formation of monitoring bodies aimed at overseeing implementation stages, especially those facing delays, it was learned. ALI G. MACABALANG

Editorial

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

Philippine Muslim Today Inc. DATU YUSOPH B. MAMA Chairman, Board of Trustees DEAN MASIDING NOOR YAHYA President/CEO JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Vice President for Internal Affairs ALI G. MACABALANG Vice President for External Affairs ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Treasurer MACOD D. RASCAL Secretary CASAN C. CANA Auditor

PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY MASIDING NOOR YAHYA Editor-In-Chief and Publisher JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL Managing Editor Bureau Chief for National Capital Region

Adopted from Pinterest

ALI G. MACABALANG News Editor Bureau Chief for Bangsamoro & Central Mindanao Regions ROCAYA SUMNDAD OTICAL Bureau Chief for Northern Mindanao Region JOHNNY R. LEE Bureau Chief for Western Mindanao Region PHIL MUSLIM Layout Artist

Editorial

FATIMA ORTIL-JANNARAL Advertising Sales Director for NCR NUR-ALI A. MACABALANG Correspondent COLUMNISTS | WRITERS: ATTY. HOMOBONO A. ADAZA ATTY. BAYAN G. BALT BENJ BANGAHAN, M.D., FPCP, FPCCP ATTY. JUAN PONCE ENRILE JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D ATTY. NASSER A. MAROHOMSALIC FILEMON G. ROMERO, Ph.D ATTY. MEHOL K. SADAIN DR. ABDUL HANNAN M. TAGO DISCLAIMER: Opinion of the writer expressed herein is not necessarily the opinion of Philippine Muslim Today nor of its management. TEMPORARY BUSINESS OFFICE:

NCR SATELLITE OFFICE:

Cor. Mercury & Pluto Streets, Rabago Subd., Villa Verde, Iligan City, 9200 Phone: 09152184388 | +63 2283454 Email: muslimtoday2020@gmail.com Https://philmuslim.today

9052 Viscarra Compound, Molino 3, Bacoor City 4102 Cavite Province PHONE: +639778430218 | +639353138549 Email: managingeditor@philmuslim.today

Front page of PHILIPPINE MUSLIM TODAY previous issue.

EDSA and the Missing Muslim Filipino Contribution

t has been 35 years since the Filipino people had overthrown a dictatorship whose repercussions are still being felt even after more than three decades. With historical revision becoming more rife and misinformation as well as a general lack of critical thinking ability among the people, still, it is worthwhile to revisit the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. For a while, the nation had captured the attention and admiration of the world for being able to avert what would have otherwise been a bloody uprising. Soon after 1986 some countries in the world even had their own People Power, making the latter half of the 80's to the early and mid-90's a time of political and social upheaval in many places. Photographs and footage from the period depict the revolution from a very much mainstream Filipino view, which brings the question: where was the Muslim Filipino at that time? There are many accounts of Muslim Filipinos taking part in the People Power, both sides considered. But were their voices even heard? Were they ever mentioned or credited for their contributoons to the cause? Where are they now? There is a gap in knowledge, as well as awareness, as to the Muslim Filipino involvement in EDSA, which is unfortunate. The writing of history has always been done in the perspective of the mainstream, which would mean that the contributions of those who they consider to be at the mere bylanes may go unnoticed. We have always been absent or missing in much of our national contemporary history. Perhaps it is now time to rectify and delve deeper into the matter, or else, future generations of Muslim Filipinos will not be aware that their forebears in 1986, along with the mainstream Filipinos, helped make People Power happen. This is a challenge for the Muslim Filipino historian, as well as for the Muslim Filipinos who took part in EDSA. This is also a challenge for the mainstream's historians. It is time that the Muslim Filipino, as a citizen of this country, be recognized for his role in this country's collective history. PMT

Opinion

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

Ijtihad

GREETINGS OF PEACE

MEHOL K. SADAIN

t is normal to hear Muslims greet people by saying “As-salaamu alaikum” or simply “Salaam”. It is so common that many take the ―peace greeting‖ for granted, the Muslims included. The non-Muslims say the Muslims do not really mean it, because while they say ―Peace be upon you‖, or while they assert that Islam comes from the word “salama” or “aslama” which means peace, violence continue to haunt Muslim lands, and some Muslims espouse violence. Never mind that these extremist elements do not represent Islam and the Muslims. To others they all belong to the same religion and worship the same God they call Allah. The word “Salaam” how-

ever, did not just come from a Muslim‘s fertile imagination. It is used by God in Qur‘ān alKareem in at least three verses. The first is in the chapter on Power, Surah Al-Qadr, a short surah which ends with “Salaamu! Hiya hattaa matla-il-fajr,” or ―Peace! This, until the rise of morn.‖ It describes the night when the first verses of the Qur‘ān were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by the angel Gabriel on the command of God. Happening during the last ten days of Ramadan or the month of fasting, this night is better than a thousand months, because on such night the Angels and the Spirit (al-Malaaa-ikatu wa r-Ruuhu) come to earth on errands from God. The permeating

Batanes to Tawi-Tawi

ambience of that holy night is described as peaceful, and remains so until the break of morn. Thus, the chapter concludes with the revelation proclaiming ―Peace‖ (Salaamun) on the believers and the world, until the rise of morn! One reads this verse to feel the peace around him, which is both ―a peace‖ in his inner self and his surroundings. The second mention situates peace in the heaven in Surah Al-Waaqi‘a, verses 25 and 26, which goes: “Laa yasma-uuna fiihaa laghwanw-wa laa ta‟siimaa, illaa qiilan „Salaaman Salaamaa,‟” and translates as ―No frivolity will they hear therein, nor any mischief, only the saying, ‗Peace! Peace!‘‖ This is the place for those who are ―Foremost in faith‖ or the “Saabiquuna sSaabiquun”, as they are also

ow I know and you know too that two advanced countries have created their respective Ministry of Loneliness to tackle problematic people that are 24/7 lonely. These countries are the United Kingdom and Japan. United Kingdom:First we will tackle with United Kingdom and discuss the World‘s First Female Loneliness Minister and she tackles too the ‗Sad Reality of Modern Life.‘ Hence, to begin with the discussion first we will deal with UK Minister of Loneliness Tracey Crouch who experienced and knew what it‘s

like to feel frighteningly alone. After giving birth to her first child, Freddie, in 2016, the British lawmaker says that despite having a network of friends, family and a wonderful partner, she began feeling cut off from the world. To Crouch it was not a new sensation, for she also suffered from depression six years earlier, despite of the fact she first became a Member of Parliament (MP). It felt like she was ―in a very dark place, a very lonely place,‖ she recalls. Crouch‘s experiences may inform her new role as the UK‘s first Minister for Loneli-

to God and admitted to His heaven in Surah Al-Waaqi‘a, and finally, a greeting that comes from God Himself in Surah Yaaseen, the word “Salaam” is a greeting of utmost spiritual significance. It is a greeting on earth as in heaven, by man as well as by God, and His Angels and Spirit. When a Muslim gives the salutation of “Salaam” it should partake of the sanctity of Allah‘s greeting. It is not to be taken for granted because God uses it to greet those who are close to Him; and when we are conscious of such greeting from God, we should return the same with equal solemnity, and an awe befitting our reverence to the Supreme and Incomparable Lord of the Worlds. To everyone, therefore, As-salaamu alaikum!

Minister of Loneliness, anyone?

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

the ―Nearest to God‖ or “Ulaaa -ika l-Muqarrabuun.” This is heaven or jannah where those nearest to Allah will find abode, amidst greetings of ―Peace‖ for and from each other. The third mention comes from Surah Yaaseen, verse 58, which is a significant and powerful verse, because Allah Himself proclaims the greeting, “Salaamun! Qawlam-mi rRabbi r-Raheem!” meaning ―Peace! A Word from the Lord, Most Merciful!‖ Here, the greeting of ―Peace‖ issues from God and is directed to the Companions of the Garden or “Ashaaba l-jannah”. The three verses show the range of use of the “Salaam” greeting: From a greeting that characterizes the serenity and bliss of a night on earth in Surah Al-Qadr, to a greeting among those nearest

ness, a role created by Prime Minister Theresa May. For too many people, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life, May said when announcing the new position. According to a report in 2020 from the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, more than 9 million people in Great Britain around 14 percent of the population often or always feel lonely. That costs U.K. employers up to $3.5 billion annually, according to consumer cooperative (COOP). JAPAN: Japan appoints Minister of Loneliness to tackle suicide rates. This is following Britain‘s lead that the Japanese government

created an isolation loneliness countermeasures office in its cabinet on February 19 to counter issues like suicide and child poverty. In Japan, lonely deaths among the elderly have a name, Kodokushi. In 2020 suicides in Japan rose for the first time in 11 years, particularly among women. Thus, it lead Japan to appoint its first Minister of Loneliness to tackle the country‘s rising suicide rates. Hence, more people died from suicide in Japan in October than the total number of COVID-19 deaths up to that point in 2020. Therefore in a bid to tack-

le the rise in suicide rates for the first time in 11 years due to the coronavirus crisis. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has appointed Tetshusi Sakamoto as its first-ever Minister of Loneliness. Sakamoto said in his inaugural Press Conference actually Prime Minister Suga has appointed him to address matters of national importance ―including the issue of increasing women‘s suicide rate under the pandemic.‖ For your comments or suggestions please send your email to: munir1845media@gmail. com

SPDA| from Page A2

SPDA presents PEACE concept programs for the MNLF, families He also told the Philippine Muslim Today that it is the plan of the SPDA to create an ‗Economic community‘ for the MNLF, as well as the MILF, where they will be provided with all the basic services and amenities to make them thrive and transform into a thriving and prosperous economic community.

A group of MNLF Central Committee chaired by Muslimin Sema met at Pagana Restaurant in Cotabato City last week to tackle up some important issues like the need to register with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) the MNLF political party called ‗Bangsamoro Party‘ or BaPa.

Among the Members of the Central Committee present were Chairman Muslimin Sema; Vice Chairman for Foreign Affairs and incumbent Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Deputy Speaker Hatimil E. Hassan; Secretary General and Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) Minister Ro-

meo Sema; Deputy Chief of Staff and Ministry of Trade Industry and Tourism (MTIT) Minister Abu Amri Taddik; Member of Parliament (MP) Muslimin ―Jann" Jakilan; MP Ustadz Abdulmuhmin Mujahid; South Cotabato Chairman Utto Salim Cuttan; Secretary General Muhajir Alih; Palawan Chairman Al Ba-

bao and former ARMM Assymblyman Alhabsi Hassan. Assymblyman Alhabsi who is also known as ―Adung‖ to his schoolmates at Panglima Indanan Central Elementary School in Indanan, Sulu was the anchorman of the MNLF‘s Suara (Voice) of Malaysia, a clandestine Radio Sta-

tion that can be tuned in from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The Radio Station became also the source of inspiration of the Mujahideen where it has boosted the morale of the Moro Freedom Fighters at the height of the revolution against the Armed Forces of the Philippines. JIJ

Opinion

Diliman Way HOMOBONO A. ADAZA

LESSONS FROM PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTS - President Corazon Aquino (4th of a Series)

Part 2

ow was this done? The Cory crowd padded the results of the elections in every congressional district. But why did Comelec do it? According to an authoritative source, Cory met with the Comelec commissioners a week before the election with specific instruction that she should have a majority in the new Senate – with special emphasis that former Senator and Cebu Governor Rene Espina and former Member of Parliament and Misamis Oriental Governor Homobono A. Adaza should not be in the winning circle. Comelec did an over kill. It proclaimed twenty -two PDP-Laban winners and only two GAD winners – former Defense Scretary Johnny ―Ponce‖ Enrile and former Mayor Joseph ‖Erap‖ Estrada. Other than the two, ten of us won the elections but we lost the proclaimation. This is the most scandalous dag-

dag bawas (add and subtract) scheme in the history of Philippine elections. We went to the Supreme Court to reverse the proclamation but the Cory Supreme Court did not even require the PDP=Laban respondents to comment on the petition. The Supreme Court just dismissed it. Francisco Kit Tatad wrote a definitive pamphlet on the cheating. The PDPLaban did not issue a rebuttal. In law, when a charge is made in public against anyone and he does not issue a denial or a rebuttal he is deemed to have admitted the charge by silence. This is known as admission by silence In a television interview in the well-known program, Straight From the Shoulders of Louie Beltran, Rene Saguisag, a proclaimed Cory senator said, ―We were elected senators by the Filipino people.‖ As one of the interviewees in the program, I

commented, ―What did say - you were elected by the Filipino people? No, you were not elected by the people. You were elected by the computers of Corazon Aquino.‖ Saguisag was stunned into silence. For the first time in the history of Philippine elections, the certificates of canvass and election returns were sent through computers. And the computerized figures became the basis of the proclamation. Questions: You, the reader, might ask me this question – If the acts enumerated in the preceding paragraphs are undemocratic, unconstitutional, illegal and criminal, why did we in the new Opposition not go Court to seek redress. We did. We went to the Supreme Court and we got slapped across the face – outright dismissal. This is an Arab saying – ―Fool me once, shame on you. Fool

Punchline ALI G. MACABALANG

ONG ranting via live stream about perceived bureaucratic red tape and discriminatory government officials has paid off for Muslim midwife Michelle Lu. In her emotionpacked revelation live in early January, Lu unleashed in tears how she and other midwives operating private lying-in clinics had been subjected to dillydallying by officials and workers of the Department of Health (DoH) central office in their quests for permission to operate. Lu said she has been operating a lyingin clinic in Cavite where pregnant mothers delivered ―free of

charge‖ and was opening a similar facility in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Hundreds of private midwives like her were worried about a DoH circular banning the operations of nongovernment birthing facilities after Dec. 31, 2020. In her first video, Lu said that her becoming a nurse-midwife was a product of cashstrapped study at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City after experiencing twice ordeals in government private hospitals on two instances of her pregnancy. Because she was visibly poor, she said, attending doctors,

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

nurses and midwives were cold on her. And when she was on the verge of child deliveries, one or more of the attendants were tinkering with her genitals painfully but she persevered because her family could not afford private room services. While narrating her sad experiences, Lu burst in tears and heightened her ranting about ordeals in being dilly-dallied at the DoHcentral office in Manila. Her trips to Manila cost her much financially and physically, she said. True to President Duterte‘s earlier advisory for the public to ―create something catchy‖ to gain the

me twice, shame on me.‖ We are not in the habit of being fooled twice. Why? The final arbiter of acts of government is the Supreme Court. As the American Justices say, over and over again – ―Our decisions are final not because they are infallible. They are infallible because they are infallible.‖ And the Supreme Court then was a Cory Aquino court. To stress this point of how Cory boys controlled the departments and agencies of government is shown in the twenty-six cases of graft and corruption against the late Aquilino ―Nene‖ Pimentel, Jr. When I learned that all his twenty-six criminal cases were dismissed, I got in touch with the late Raul Gonzales who was the then the Tanodbayan , the office which is the precursor of the Ombudsman. I asked him, ―Why did you dismiss the criminal cases against Nene? Were there no evidence?‖

Raul answered, ―I dismissed them because President Cory told me to dismiss them.‖ ―If Cory did not tell you to dismiss them, what would have happened to Nene?‖ I asked Raul ―He would have stayed in jail for fifty years,‖ Raul answered without hesitation. Of course, he was stating a hyperbole to emphasize the gravity of the sentences – nobody stays in jail for fifty years. Lessons learned: We are looking forward to the 2022 elections. It can only be prevented if someone gets crazy in the Duterte government – declares a revolutionary government or goes through the process of amending the Constitution to extend the term of President Duterte. Barring these from happening, we will have elections in 2022 – we will be electing a new President These are the lessons we should learn from the Cory Aquino

experience: 1. If you have no qualifications to run for President, don‘t run, as you‘ll only embarrass yourself and cause trouble for the country. If someone does run without the qualifications, the people should ostracize him so he will withdraw. If the he is shameless and does not withdraw, the voters should not vote for him. 2. If you make agreements - honor them as your failure to make good your commitment will haunt you to your grave. 3. Observe the Constitution and existing laws and enforce them without fear or favor. 4. Do things that are good for the people and the country, not for yourself, your family and your friends. 5. Never tamper with the electoral process and never be involved in graft and corruption. 6. Prosecute all the grafters in your government and send them to rot in jail. ADAZA | A13

Ranting pays off for Bangsamoro midwife attention of higher authorities including Malacañang officials, Lu‘s ranting vide turned viral among thousands of viewers including the DoH hierarchy and media entities like the Philippine Muslim Today news. Less than two weeks after the video podcast, intervening health officials brought Lu to a meeting with DoH Usec. Dr. Myrna ―Nena‖ Cabotaje. Lu promptly made another live steamed talk, this time unleashing a smile in obvious joy over the DoH information that private lying-in clinics can continue operating as long as in accordance with state standards, which include the assistance of a

physician in every delivery. In her Facebook posts, Lu reassured that her services would remain ―free‖ especially for the poor. Her clinics would survive with the PhilHealth contribution to each delivery done in her clinic, she said. One of her messages to fellow midwives/nurses read: ―Your patient MIGHT be nobody to you, but in her family she she is A SOMEBODY, A SOMEONE, A PRECIOUS GEM they can‘t afford to lose just the way you value your own family. So please treat your patient special kahit pobre yanSo please treat ur patient special kahit POBRE pa yan.‖ She said in another

post: My Passion is to serve the needy without expecting anything in return.‖ ENDORSEMENT: I am highly endorsing patronage of Michelle Lu‘s lying-in clinics in Cavite and in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. I attached in this column a photo of her clinic located along Sultan Kudarat town highway, as well as photos culled from her two video clips to inspire the public in seeking government attention via emotional but peaceful means. (Reactions/ comments and suggestions to this column should be addressed to: alimac.bulletin@gmail. com.

Across The Country

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

Historic GPH-MILF peace pact opens window for progress By Manny F. Piñol

AGUING, Lanao del Sur — With 16 months to go before the end of his Presidency, former Davao City Mayor Rody President Duterte‘s personal and direct handling of the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was in stark contrast to the methods used by his predecessors who delegated the negotiating to a Panel which engaged the MILF negotiators in endless peace talks some of which were held outside of the country. In one scheduled meeting with the President in Davao City, I waited until a visitor who met with him oneon-one stepped out of the room. It turned out to be then MILF Chairman Ahod Murad Ebrahim. The long meeting was just between the two of them – no panels, no intermediaries and no fanfare. The jury is still out on whether the nascent Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao could deliver the governance which will sustain the peace and security brought about by the peace agreement. One thing is certain – there is now peace and security in Mindanao wracked by more than six decades of fighting which stunted the progress of a land which could actually feed the whole nation and fuel a robust economy. I am the living witness to this change in Mindanao today. Known in Mindanao as the No. 1 Enemy of the MILF mainly because of my very vocal opposition to the violence that killed many of my people which led to my legal challenge of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), I

Duterte could ride into the political sunset with an indisputable legacy tucked in his breast pocket – Peace in Mindanao.

Photos of Pinol-Herbosa huddle in the foreground of the MILF-BIAF camp (left) and a drone-taken image of the Maguing road and terrain (right).

was in the cross hairs of those sympathetic with the rebel group for many years. I survived several assassination attempts when I was Governor of North Cotabato, the most sensational of which was the foiled bombing of a radio station in Kidapawan City in 2003 where I was supposed to host a radio program. When I was appointed Secretary of Agriculture, I reached out to MILF Chairman Murad and visited their main camp in Darapan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. There is a general feeling of security now in Mindanao. Last month, after the ground breaking of the Solar Powered Water System and Solar Powered Water System in Taraka, Lanao del Sur, I and my guest, Develop-

ment Bank of the Philippines President Emmanuel G. Herbosa, I decided to take a route home to Kidapawan City which I had never travelled in my lifetime as a Mindanaoan. The route, suggested by Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., would take me and my group through the towns of Bumbaran, Maguing, Amay Manabilang and Wao then Bukidnon. There was, however, a caveat: We would be passing through a territory controlled by the MILF which has a redoubt in Maguing, Camp Darul Hedjrah, Base of the 103rd Command. This MILF camp, according the PNP Provincial Commander of Lanao del Sur, was never penetrated by government forces in the past. Arriving at the site of the 103rd Base Command, I decided to get

off the vehicle and asked the MILF cadres if the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Media Team could shoot a documentary in front of their camp to which they agreed. We were not able to continue with the journey towards Wao passing through the mountains of Lanao del Sur because of a landslide and we had to turn back as it was almost nightfall. We took the long route via the ruins of Marawi City, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City and Malaybalay, Bukidnon arriving in Kidapawan City at 3 a.m. Years ago, this night travel, especially for ―marked‖ persons like me, was unthinkable. This is the testament of the new found peace in Mindanao and I am the living proof.

* The author is the incumbent Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) who stepped on the soil of the MILF-BIAF’s Camp Dar-ul Islam in Maguing, Lanao del Sur where he and Development Bank of the Philippine (DBP) President Emmanuel Herbosa spent a stopover last Jan. 21, the 2nd founding anniversary of the MILF-led Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The MinDA’s public affairs team videoed the conversation of Pinol and Herboso in front of the MILF-BIAF camp entrance over the bright prospects spawned by the GPH-MILF peace accord. Sec. Pinol described the accord as “one of the greatest legacies” of the Duterte administration. Pinol and Herbosa’s team travelled by land along Maguing town en route to Bukidnon towards Davao after launching the DBP-bankrolled pilot Solar-Powered Irrigation and Waterworks projects in Taraka town.

PTFoMS orders police manhunt for Jupiter Gonzales killer By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

ALACANANG PALACE, Manila — The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) in a statement has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its manhunt operations for the suspected killer of Remate columnist Jupiter Gonzales and his friend, Christopher Tiongson, after an alias warrant was recently issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) for double murder. Responding to the call, the Pampanga Police Provincial Office (PPO) has created special tracker teams to hunt down and bring to justice accused Armando Maglaya Velasco a.k.a. ―Ambet‖, said to be a local carnival (perya) operator and primary suspect in the twin-murder, after Judge Mary Jane Dacara Buenaventura of Branch 43 of the RTC of San Fernando City issued an alias warrant under Criminal Case No. 29647. ―They may run and they may hide, but the PNP will be undeterred in their duty to apprehend these criminals. There is no escaping the law especially in this Administration.‖ PTFoMS Co-Chair and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin M. Andanar said. For his part, PTFoMS Executive Director Usec Joel SyEgco, a veteran journalist and colleague of Gonzales, explained that ―With the help of our desicated police officers, the Task Force is relentless and unwavering in its quest to bring to justice the perpetrators of this heinous crime against my friend and colleague, Jupiter Gonzales. Failure to arrest this criminal is not an option.‖ Gonzales and Tiongson were shot dead on 20 October 2019 while inside a car apparently after a heated altercation with the suspect involving the operation of a local ―perya‖ or carnival. According to Police Lt. Col. Eduardo Guevara, Jr., Arayat Chief of Police, the evidence against Velasco is strong as the bullets recovered from the victims‘ bodies were positively identified through forensic examination as emanating from the gun that belonged to Velasco. Said firearm was surrendered by Velasco‘s relative after the killings. With a dedicated mandate to resolve media killings in the country, Egco recently announced the 50th case of media killing that resulted in a guilty verdict with the conviction of accused Leonardo Banaag, Jr. for the murder of Ilocos-based radio broadcaster Jovelito Agustin. This brings to 67 the total number of media killers that were convicted by the courts, the Palace official said. Egco pointed out that from one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, the Philippines‘ status has greatly improved ever since Duterte assumed the presidency in 2016. In 2018, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres or RSF) for the first time has delisted the Philippines in its list of the most dangerous countries for journalists in the world. More recently, Egco said that the country was declared as the ―biggest mover‖ by the New Yorkbased Committee to Protect Journalists‘ (CPJ) in its annual Global Impunity Index (GII) released last October 28, 2020. The Philippines is also not included in CPJ‘s list of ―World‘s Worst Places to Be a Journalist‖ or ―10 Most Censored Countries‖. Egco emphasized that the campaign to end media violence will be another of President Duterte‘s legacies to the Filipino people. JIJ

Culture and Education

A10 MSU main campus to host Ulama Leaders Summit (ULS-2021)

By ABDUL HANNAN MAGARANG TAGO

nder the theme ―Peace, Education and Development‖ the second largest state university in the Philippines, Mindanao State University (MSU) is in preparation for the 1st Ulama Leaders Summit before Ramadan this year. It is slated in the first week of April to be held in MSU Marawi City Campus. Senior Scholars ―Ulama‖ and leaders of various educational institutions and religious organizations in the region are expected to attend the high profile top religious summit. The organizing committee is limiting the attendance to a maximum number in compliance with the health protocol. Thanks to the MSU System President, Dr. Habib W. Macaayong already gave his greenlight signal before traveling to Palawan this week. He is very keen to host ir from last year. The Covid-19 has displayed the event. This is part of the university‘s active efforts and program in promoting peace and order in Mindanao and in the Philippines as whole, the System President said in his instruction to the organizing committee. ―We need reunion of our scholars starting from here‖ Macaayong told at a meeting with core group represented by Head of Shariah Center, Dr. Anwar Radiamoda, Alim Rasad Sarangani, senior faculty member and OP special assistant. Director Ihsan Amanoddin, head of the Radio Telecommunication Office or 94.1 MSU FM is also present. Dean of King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies (KFCIAAS), Dr. Abdulcader Ayo and Alim Salih Manggis, OP special assistant are also part of the key organizing committee. Proposed four (4) major topics to be tackled by prospect senior Scholar speakers from both local and International. Transformative Education for Economic Prosperity, Degeneration and its Remedy, Principles and Characteristics of Vicegerent in Islam and Its Application in Moral Governance finally Understanding Madrasah and Its Role for Peace Building. MSU under direct supervision of the university President Dr. Macaayong, is the ideal place to host such important conference where modern knowledge, coexistence and tolerance are being in place and taught. The university where housing the KFCIAAS is a neutral venue for such important event. MSU has been part of the global peace advocacy while teaching moderate discipline and curriculum meant to produce highly educated, moral and peace-loving generation as well as productivity citizens Our brother Ulama are the heirs of the prophets. We should help them to regain this respectable status in a brotherly and neutral avenues, the President observed. Adding, we can do something to make them reflect in their interactions and teachings as independent from political influences. The event aims to identify the clamors and concerns of the young graduates and recommend sustainable solutions. Joint resolution shall be made for submission to the concern high responsible office for their action. Strengthening and revisit the normal understanding among scholars with special focus on new graduates differences. To establish a unified entity that would handle and organize a yearly or twice a year forum on the same issues. To coordinate with relevant departments that would create training, job opportunities and livelihood for the youth and fresh graduates particularly Arabicspeaking graduates. AHMT

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

New MSU-Maguindanao head bats for teamwork, flagship programs By Ali G. Macabalang

OTABATO CITY — The new chancellor of the Mindanao State UniversityMaguindanao campus is pushing for strong teamwork among MSU field campuses and their mother unit to flesh out the university system‘s

mission in integrating the southern Philippines Muslim, Christian and Lumad communities into the national mainstream through instruction, research, and extension services.

Photos above are internet-generated photos of Dr. Jejira Sinsuat Limbona and her oath-taking before CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera in December 2020. Dr. Hejira SinsuatLimbona, in virtual chats with the Philippine Muslim Today news, said she will ―start with flagship programs on agriculture, fisheries and forestry‖ she deemed ―basic‘ in her campus located in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, Maguindanao. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry alongside Community Development constituted the first focal courses offered in the MSUMaguindanao campus in its inaugural operations in 1973 with just seven faculty members, 126 students and 15 administrative staff workers. The MSUMaguindanao was founded on Oct. 10, 1973 pursuant to the university system‘s

Board of Regents (BOR) Resolution No.821 series of 1973. Its classes were held at the grandstand of Dalican (Poblacion) Pilot Elementary School. However, in 1975, all school facilities were razed by fire. Dinaig former mayor Datu Odin Sinsuat promptly donated partly and sold his 55-hectare property, which serves as the campus‘ present -day site. Currently, the campus offers 17 baccalaureate programs, five graduate programs and six Diploma courses in eight academic units: Graduate School, Colleges of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Forestry and Environmental Studies, Education, Public Affairs and Governance, and Fisheries, and an Integrated La-

boratory Science High School. Married to incumbent Maguindanao provincial Board Member Jojo Limbona, Dr. Hejira was sworn in by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero De Vera last December after a stiff selection cum election process that also covered elders in the academe. Prior to appointment as 4th chancellor of the field campus, Dr. Limbona served as vice chancellor for administration and finance. The MSUMaguindanao campus was first administered by Bai Yasmin SinsuatMacalandong as founding chancellor who was succeeded by her late husband Rolly Macalandong. Dr. Hejira is the daughter of the first

two chancellors, it was learned. Her immediate processor was Dr. Soraya Sinsuat, her aunt. Supporters said Dr. Limbona would want to replicate the swift progress of the MSUGeneral Santos City satellite now administered by Dr. Anshari P. Ali, who rose from academe against the setback of being orphaned in early age. A few days upon appointment, Chancellor Limbona paid a visit to the MSU-GenSan campus in what she described as her initial effort to ―benchmark‖ with counterparts to build a strong teamwork for the whole university system. The MSU-Gensan campus is ―geographically convenient,‖ she said. AGM

Plan for ‘madaris’ graduates, ‘asatiz’ in BARMM bureaucracy extolled

OTABATO CITY — Various sectors including Islamic clerics are all praises over current strides by the parliament and bureaucracy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to harness graduates of madaris, asatiz, hafiz and ulama by way of employment and other income-generating ventures. Words of appreciation stemmed one after another from police, military, academe and

BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal other peace stakeholder in a common positive perception of the BARMM government‘s thrust to address the plight of madaris (Arabic and Islamic schools) gradates, asatiz (teachers),

hafis (Qur‘an memorizing narrators), and ulama (Islamic scholars). ―There are hundreds of madaris in BARMM alone whose graduates by the thousands yearly either become asatiz or unemployed. Hafiz and ulam a are equally growing in number and ending up self-venturing because they do not have space in the government…This situation has been susceptible to exploitation by violent ideology-espousing

groups,‖ a retired Army general told the Philippine Muslim Today news on Wednesday. The former two-star official, who asked not to be named, described the BARMM thrust as ―one of very vital steps‖ to abate poverty and quell terror-bound extremism. He noted that ―poverty has been a source of dismay‖ among local graduates of madaris, taking exception to Muslim countries that have ready PLAN | A14

Diplomatic Page Ambassador Al-Bussairy discusses on mutual interest with NCMF Commissioner Mando By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

A11

Australian Ambassador makes first visit to Sulu By Julmunir I. Jannaral Sulu: The Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson visited the WestJ OLO, ern Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Wednesday and visited also the Province of Sulu for the first time.

A ONE ON ONE WITH SAUDI DIPLOMAT: Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), at left exchanges pleasantries with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to Manila, Dr. Abdullah Nasser bin AlBussairy at the Saudi Embassy in Makati City. (Photo Supplied) National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Commissioner Yusoph J. Mando was graciously received by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bussairy in his office at the Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) at Makati City last week where they discussed Muslim cooperation in diverse sectors and different issues of mutual interests. In the said exclusive meeting, AL Busairy said that the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoyed strong and deeply rooted historic relations and Muslim in the Philippines would always stand shoulder to shoulder with its brotherly country. The Ambassador said that sanctity of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques had been a part of the belief of every Muslim. Both Commissioner Mando and Ambassador Al -Bussairy discussed important current issues as well as further development of multifaceted cooperation among Muslims in the country, including their willingness to help Muslim Filipinos, ―whom we considered our brothers‖ as the good Ambassador repeatedly mention during the meeting. Commissioner Mando AMBASSADOR | A14 on the other hand

The Palm Jumeirah of Dubai

The tree-shaped Palm Jumeirah island is known for glitzy hotels, posh apartment towers and upmarket global restaurants. Food trucks offering snacks like shawarma dot the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, popular for its views of the Dubai coastline and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. Beach clubs with spas and infinity pools turn into boisterous nightclubs with live DJs in the evening. The Logo Islands are the two identical artificial islands built in the shape a palm leaf. The islands were built of 4.9 million cubic feet of sand. The design is the logo of the LOGO Palm Developers. JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

Ambassador had a dinner meeting with WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.; Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr., the Commanding General of the Philippine Army; and Ariel Hernandez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, Reconciliation, and Unity. During the meeting, Ambassador Robinson reiterated the Australian government‘s promise to extend assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Western Mindanao Command, in the fight against terrorism. Thus on Thursday morning, February 25, Ambassador Robinson made his first visit to Sulu. He was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. and other military officers. It was the first time in the history of Sulu that the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines visited the beautiful province of Sulu. Ambassador Robinson was welcomed with a Foyer Honor tendered by the officers and enlisted personnel of the 11th Infantry Division. He was then briefed with the security updates at the conference room at the 11ID headquarters after which he proceeded to the JTF Sulu gym for a dialogue with the surrendered members of the Abu Sayyaf Group. Also, he had a chance to meet with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan at the Provincial Capitol. During their meeting, Ambassador Robinson expressed the willingness of the Australian government to help the surrendered personalities on their reintegration into mainstream society. Australia has established a very good relationship with and has been a long-time ally of

Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson talks to the soldiers of the 11th Infantry Division in Jolo, Sulu. Ambassador Robinson reiterated that the Philippines and Australia has been an ally for over 75 years and the relationships between the two countries are robust and enduring. Sitting on his right is Western Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. (Photo Supplied)

AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR & SULU GOVERNOR: Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson meets Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan at the Sulu Provincial Capitol in Jolo, Sulu. The Australian diplomat exchanges gift with Gov. Tan where the governor gave a Tausug hat made of nito vine to the Australian Ambassador. (A Facebook Photo) the Philippines. Ambas- Philippines since then development in our concampaign sador Robinson reiterat- whose primary recipi- tinued ed that the Philippines ents are the people of against terrorism and violent extremism in our and Australia has been Mindanao. The visit of Ambas- area of operation,‖ said an ally for over 75 years and the relationships sador Robinson demon- Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. ―We expect that between the two coun- strates the significant tries are robust and en- and sustained contribu- more terrorists will comtion of Australia to the pel to surrender to avail during. The Australian gov- Philippines‘ peace ef- of the government‘s social aid,‖ Lt. Gen. ernment has extended forts. ―This is a welcome Vinluan, Jr. added. JIJ humanitarian aid to the

A12 Harvard Law Review elects first Muslim president

Diplomatic updates

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

UPDATED: UAE Loves Filipinos for their Good Education, Discipline, Hardwork By Julmunir I. Jannaral

M Newly elected Harvard Law Review President Hassaan Shahawy poses in this image. (File/Reuters)

he Harvard Law Review has named a Los Angeles-born Egyptian-American as what it believes is its first Muslim president in its 134-year history, elevating him to the top of one of the most prestigious US law journals. Harvard Law School student Hassaan Shahawy said he hoped his election represented “legal academia’s growing recognition of the importance of diversity, and perhaps its growing respect for other legal traditions.” Among the legal and political luminaries who have worked at the Harvard Law Review was former US President Barack Obama, named the journal’s first Black president in 1990. Three serving members of the US Supreme Court were editors of the Harvard Law Review, as were the late Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia. “Coming from a community routinely demonized in American public discourse, I hope this represents some progress, even if small and symbolic,” Shahawy, 26, told Reuters in an email. Law reviews are staffed by the top students at US law schools, who are often recruited for judicial clerkships and other prestigious jobs in the profession. The review’s first female president, Susan Estrich, was elected in 1977. Other presidents have been Latino and openly gay. The first Black woman was elected president in 2017. Shahawy graduated Harvard as an undergraduate in 2016 with a degree in History and Near Eastern Studies. He then attended the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar to pursue a doctorate in Oriental Studies and studied Islamic law. Shahawy said he has been active working with refugee populations and on criminal justice reform. His future plans are unclear, though he cited the possibility of becoming a public interest lawyer or working in academia. REPORTS FROM REUTERS/ARAB NEWS

Canada’s parliament says China’s treatment of Uighurs is genocide Canada’s parliament passed a non-binding motion on Monday saying China’s treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region constitutes genocide, putting pressure on Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to follow suit. Canada’s House of Commons voted 266-0 for the motion brought by the opposition Conservative Party. Trudeau and his Cabinet abstained from the vote, although Liberal backbenchers widely backed it. The motion was also amended just before the vote to call on the International Olympic Committee to move the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing if the treatment continues. Trudeau’s Conservative rivals have been pressuring him to get tougher on China. After Canada arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in 2018 on a US warrant, China detained two Canadians on spying charges, igniting bilateral tensions that still linger. China has been widely condemned for setting up complexes in Xinjiang that it describes as “vocational training centers” to stamp out extremism and give people new skills, and which others have called concentration camps. Beijing denies accusations of rights abuses in Xinjiang. Citing testimony, documents and media reports of human rights abuses against Uighurs, Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong said: “We can no longer ignore this. We must call it for what it is — a genocide.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Tuesday the motion “disregards facts and common sense,” adding that Beijing had “lodged stern representations” with Canada.Cong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Ottawa, denied accusations of genocide. “Western countries are in no position to say what the human rights situation in China looks like,” Cong said in an interview before the vote. “There is no so-called genocide in Xinjiang at all.” Trudeau has been reluctant to use the word genocide, suggesting that seeking broad consensus among Western allies on Chinese human rights issues would be the best ap-

AKATI CITY — There are around 650,000 Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Arab nation loves them.

Charge d‘Affaires Sheikh Saoud Al-Mualla of the UAE Embassy in the Philippines gave to the Philippine Muslim Today the latest figure of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Mualla emphasized the number ―is reflected based on the last figures released by authorities.‖ And the love is mutual. In May 2020, OFWs community in the UAE showed their love, acceptance, and appreciation for the Emirates and its people as they launched a sticker campaign containing the words ―Filipinos trust the UAE.‖ The OFWs‘ action was their way of reciprocating the UAE government‘s sincere care, compassion, and tolerance. As the pandemic hit the world, the UAE government provided care for its citizens as well as foreigners living in the Emirates. In an e-mail interview conducted with Sheikh Al-Mualla he opened up on why Filipinos are highly acceptable in his country. He said the ―common perspective in the UAE about Filipinos is that they are acceptable to UAE citizens as well as to other nationalities living in the Emirates.‖ ―Filipinos are welleducated, disciplined, with good character and behavior, highly organized, and loyal to their employers. I think whoever have this character would be most welcomed in our country,‖ emphasized Sheikh AlMualla. He added the UAE is a country for all without any discrimination based on race, color, religion, etc., likewise this atmosphere of accepting each other is a result of the wise leadership initiative of tolerance. The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, including more than half a million Filipinos, working in every sector of the

LEFT: President Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is also the emir of Abu Dhabi. RIGHT: Charge d’Affaires Sheikh Saoud AlMualla of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in the Philippines. country. Obviously, the UAE‘s strong policy of tolerance and acceptance of people of other religious beliefs and culture, as well as its labor laws are serving as magnets that attract expatriate workers. It‘s a policy that has a long tradition started by its founder, the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AlNahyan. ―The UAE is a country that has been designed by its Wise Leader to accommodate all nationalities, including Filipinos and, of course, the principle of respecting the diversity in UAE creates a wonderful environment attracting all people to come together and share their potential and talents. In particular, Filipino workers have been participating in the development of UAE, not only in the recent years but since the 1970s,‖ said Sheikh AlMualla. ―The contribution of Filipino workers is great in terms of their different professional fields and expertise from the highly professional engineering field, medical field, hospitality service, and others,‖ he added. For one, the UAE which hosts millions of

proach. “Moving forward multilaterally will be the best way to demonstrate the solidarity of Western democracies … that are extremely concerned and dismayed by reports of what’s going on in Xinjiang,” Trudeau said on Friday after speaking to fellow G7 leaders. Trudeau and US President Joe Biden will hold a virtual bilateral meeting on Tuesday afternoon, and relations with China are

workers from across the globe is deeply committed to safeguarding the rights of all workers. It signed international conventions on the rights of workers. It‘s a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO). To educate laborers on their rights, the UAE‘s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has launched several awareness drives; established offices in courts to provide legal support to workers in labor disputes, and units have been set up across the country providing protection for workers. There‘s also the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) created in 2008, a forum for dialogue and cooperation between Asian countries of labor origin and destination. As the global SARSCoV-2 pandemic continues, the UAE is making sure every worker is supported by facilitating their ability to secure temporary employment, access new job opportunities, and receive housing, food, and medical assistance. With a vaccine now being given in UAE, the government is providing the injection to all those who live in the country,

citizens and noncitizens, including expatriate workers. Sheikh Zayed‘s legacy has endured and is being adhered to and implemented by his son and successor, President Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan AlNahyan, and the rest of the UAE officials. The President of UAE is the emir of Abu Dhabi, he explained. Seven emirates comprise the UAE, such as Abu Dhabi, the biggest; Dubai (who does not know Dubai); Sharjah; Ajman; Umm Al Quwain; Ras Al Khaimah; and Fujairah. Sheikh Zayed and other Sheikhs of the founding members established the UAE on December 2, 1971. Sheikh Al-Mualla‘s message to Filipinos with relatives in the UAE: ―To the families of Filipinos who have been working or residing for good in UAE, I would like to assure that under the wise leadership of the UAE, the authorized officials in their posts are exerting their efforts to reach the goals of peace of mind and heart for all its residents by providing (vital) measures in security and stability for their safety even during the unprecedented situation of Covid-19.‖ JIJ

likely to be discussed, a government source said. Former US President Donald Trump — on his last full day in office last month — said China had committed “genocide and crimes against humanity” by repressing Uighur Muslims. The Biden administration is trying to ensure that the genocide declaration is upheld, according to his pick to be ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. WITH REPORTS FROM REUTER

News

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

A13

MinDA cattle program piloted in 5 provinces like Lanao Sur, Misamis Oriental By ALI G. MACABALANG DAVAO CITY — Five provinces in the south have been eyed as pilot areas for the Mindanao Development Authority (MInDA), with officials of Lanao del Sur and Misamis Oriental sounding off interest in joining the venture to augment existing life-enhancing projects in their respective turfs. The last province to signify interest in the venture is Misamis Oriental through Gov. Yevgeney ―Bambi‖ Emano, who ―accepted‖ the challenge of MinDA Chairman Manny Piñol and ―welcomed‖ the feasible concept underlying the LGU-funded Cattle Development Program (CDP), agency‘s Public Affairs Department Chief Adrian Tamayo said. Gov. Emano‘s acceptance was conveyed by Provincial Agriculturist Apollo Pacamalan to MinDANorthern Mindanao Area Management Office head Olie Dagalan on Feb. 16, Dr. Tamayo said. On Feb. 10, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal ―Bombit‖ Alonto-Adiong Jr. and younger brother Rep. Ansaruddin ―Hooky‖ Adiong expressed similar interest, joining Sec. Piñol in a trip to a progressive cattle ranch in South Cotabato to learn the rudiments in livestock management and production,

Tamayo said. In a live video broadcast by MinDA that day, Gov. Adiong acknowledged the program‘s bright prospects in his turf, citing initially the town of Wao as a site of preliminary cattle breeding. Between Feb. 10 and 16, Governors Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte and Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato have also agreed with Sec. Piñol for the adoption of the program in their respective provinces, it was learned. So far, the fifth pilot province for the CDP has yet to be known, even as MinDA waits for challenge acceptance by a prospective provincial government, Tamayo said. The CDP is one of innovative programs initiated by MinDA for food production and job-generating thrust, tapping also the assistance of the agency‘s regular partner – the Development Bank of the Philippines, he said. It aims to boost local food production meant to address any eventual food shortage and, at the same time, establish an economic enterprise project to earn revenues for the local government units. Sec. Piñol said the DBP will provide low-interest loans to assist the LGUs in establishing facilities for the Mindanao Livestock Industry Development Program. The estimated cost of the project per province is P100-million, he said. ―Upon identification of the 5th participating Pilot Province this week, the Cattle Breeding and Fattening Pro-

gram will be rolling out by June this year,‖ he said. Piñol explained that the Cattle Breeding and Fattening Program involves a facility in each of the provinces where at least 1,000 steers or bullock (neutered young male cows) will be fattened for 100 days under the supervision of MinDA Livestock Consultant Arnel Corpuz and his team. ―The fattened steers are initially acquired from Australia‘s Northern Territory which had been shipping young cattle to the Philippines for decades now. A Cattle Ship which sails from Australia to Mindanao could load up to 5,000 heads which explains why the program needs five provinces with a 1,000-head allocation to start with,‖ he added. The program‘s second component involves 500 local cows to be acquired by the province for impregnated through artificial insemination using semen from outstanding bulls to upgrade the local cattle population, he said. The third component is the province-wide AI for farmer -owned cows using semen from outstanding bulls to upgrade the local cattle population, and the fourth component is the establishment of an abattoir and processing facility to ensure that the province will enhance valueadding on the fattened steers, he said. Every month thereafter, five other provinces will be encouraged to join the program to ensure that by September, Mindanao will be producing 5,000 heads of fattened steers for its consumers. AGM

BARMM | from Page A2

BARMM mulls over strategic communication plan for far-flung constituents “Probably many of them do not understand yet, so we will further strengthen our relationship, especially with the communities that do not receive much help,” he added. Maulana also underscored various channels of communication that can be utilized to reach target audiences in the Bangsamoro, such as social media, community dialogue, mobilizing partner-

ships with communication groups, among others. Matabalao, on the one hand, discussed how to convey messages effectively. Accordingly, writers should follow the elements of having clear, concrete, and credible communication outputs. He said the geographical positions and diverse languages in the Bangsamoro region must be considered. “It is essential to be

practical on what the government is doing, especially on the language it uses in the delivery of the message,” Matabalao said, noting the fact that he also works as a public servant. Meanwhile, Alonto shared essential steps in developing effective communication plan. These include establishing the goals, defining key audience, designing key messages, building good me-

dia relations, developing materials, time frame setting, plan execution, and plan evaluation. “If you have an advocacy program, you need to answer who will benefit from it, who is responsible for the program implementations and its funding services,” Alonto said. He also told the participants to review their strategies and approach once they implement their advocacy’s communication

plan through “making observations, speaking to their team, and asking feedback from their target audience or community.” Once the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials for the communication plan are finalized in the coming weeks, the Information Management Team (IMT) will be responsible for information dissemination to the Bangsamoro con-

stituents in the far-flung areas IMT is composed of Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) - BIO, BPDA, Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), Bangsamoro Communication Network (BCN), MILF Political Committee, ministries, local government units, and other key partners in the region. WITH STORY FROM BANGSAMORO INFORMATION OFFICE

CONTRACTORS | from Page A4

Contractors of 3 bridges in Lanao Sur assure completion in 2021... BARMM.‖ Macarambon, who has been engaged in construction industry for decades, was referring to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the succeeding Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The defunct 29-year old ARMM used to have its Public Works and Highways cabinet department, but the national DPWH main office has been using its field offices in

Regions 9, 10 and 12 in construction, repair and maintenance of highways in the region. Because of such flimsy trends, the succeeding BARMM created its own Ministry of Public Works (MPW), excluding any responsi-

bility for national highway construction, repair and maintenance. Parliament Inquiry Informed of controversies concerning delayed national highways and bridges‘ construction works as well as lack of maintenance and

rehabilitation funds, BARMM Parliament Member Paisalin ―Popoy‖ Tago said on Monday he would initiate a legislative inquiry on the issue in aid of legislation to settle the inadequacy once and for all.

Tago, a former speaker of the abolished ARMM-Regional Legislative Assembly, said his inquiry could help correct impressions by residents from the outside blaming officials of the regional autonomy about bad road conditions in the Muslim Mindanao region. AGM

almost two decades and President Rodriigo Roa Duterte. My father always told, in Bisaya, a person who did something maliciously wrong – Ang imong

kabuang mobalik kana kanimo. (Your foolishness will haunt you.) And from President Duterte – ―There is always time for reckoning.‖ HAA

ADAZA| from Page A8

LESSONS FROM PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTS 7. Any reconciliation with past administrations must always be with justice 8. Do not interfere with the judicial system.

9. Do not be vindictive. 10. Do things that are right but never wrong. These are lessons

we should learn because President Cory Aquino exactly did the opposite and the country and our people reaped the whirlwind.

Footnote: Confronted with all these, I remember two individuals – my father who is a brilliant legendary mayor of our town for

IBP-LDS | from Page A3

IBP-LDS chapter to elect 2021 officers; 3 vie for president He described the presidential derby as ―very tight‖ among the three presidential nominees. Datu Ramos, a retired port customs official, a member of the league of reigning Sultans in Lanao region, has recently resumed

his broadcast works through a Marawi-based outfit after lull. He had published two local newspapers in the 80s and 90s, one of which was the Philippine Crescent handled by this writer as editor-in-chief. Yusoph was a former chief prosecutor in

Marawi-Lanao Sur area before he was appointed commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). In his stint in the poll body, Yusoph once grabbed the limelight when he stood pat on his sunnah in a growing beard as a member of the universal

da‘wah (Islamic preaching) movement. Macarambon, on the other hand, is incumbent regional lawyer of the PhilHealth office in the Bangsamoro region and current vice president of the IBP provincial chapter. The IBP chapter was

instrumental in instigating the lodging of the Marawi Compensation Bill in Congress, crafting as early as 2018 a version seeking P50 billion indemnification of private properties destroyed in the fivemonth fighting between combined militants of

the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in 2017 and government forces. Its leadership has also initiated disclosure of and indignation against soldiers‘ alleged abuses, including looting cases on civilian abandoned homes. AGM

News

A14

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

AMBASSADOR | from Page A4

Ambassador Al-Bussairy discusses mutual interest with Commissioner Mando reiterated his sincere gratitude on behalf of Muslim Filipinos who had been recipients of KSA generosity over the past many years. The Ambassador immediately acceded to Commissioner Mando‘s request for copies of the Holy Qur‘an, for the project which he recently launched ―One Islam One Qur‘an‖ program.

This laudable activity will distribute copies of the Holy Qur‘an with Filipino and English translation to nonMuslims and Muslims through Islamic institutions in the far flung areas of Mindanao particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula and BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu, TawiTawi). The purpose of the

program is to dispel misunderstanding of Islam as a ―cruel religion‖. The NCMF Commissioner also stated that, ―it‘s up to non-Muslims to take them or not. We are also not taking down their personal information.‖ The project aims to deal with ―Islamophobia as we want to spread

awareness about Islam‘s teachings. We do not want what is going on in the West to happen in our place.‖ The Qur‘an is the final revelation of Almighty Allah which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The Qur‘an plays a roles in the life of Muslims as it is filled with guidance. For this

reason it is imperative that the Qur‘an reaches as many individuals as possible, according to the NCMF Commissioner. The Qur‘an program has been Commissioner Mando's project even before he joined the NCMF dating back from the Year 2000. He have been distributing Qur‘ans, Dates

and other Islamic literature to children and adults in Mindanao and in Metro Manila. In the said meeting with the Saudi Ambassador the following NCMF Staff members were also present during the meeting: Shoji A. Serenas, DMO II; Bill Hussein Mando, Executive Asst III; Bhenzar Yusoph, ADA II; and Harun Mando, ADA III. JIJ

SPECIAL REPORT | from Page A5

Special Report: Bangsamoro parliament approves new civil service law that the absence of third level positions in the BARMM bureaucracy does not entail that individual public civil servants who possess such eligibility will lose their title. ―Yung kanilang naattain na status as third level eligible, hindi naman mawaala yun sa

kanila. In fact, it doesn‘t also mean na dahil walang ganon na positions dito we don‘t encourage increased professionalization sa ating mga civil servants,‖ Basman said. ―Nagtayo nga tayo ng Development Academy of the Bangsamoro which shows na gusto natin na yung ating mga

public servants in the region are continuously improving themselves professionally,‖ she said. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod ―Al Hajj Murad‖ Ebrahim and BTA Parliament Speaker lawyer Ali Pangalian Balindong led the ceremonial signing of the

Bangsamoro Civil Service Code on Wednesday. ―Not only did we accomplish yet another mandate as stipulated under the BOL, but we have also paved the way towards standardizing the regional bureaucracy that can truly manifest the shared aspira-

tions of our people,‖ Ebrahim said. He said the BCSC manifests Bangsamoro‘s shared commitment towards a government ―that adheres to meritocracy and placement of individuals with the passion to serve our people along with their qualifications

in jobs that match their respective portfolio.‖ Other priority codes on local government, education are already referred to their respective parliament committees, while the electoral and revenue codes are being finalized by the cabinet. JIJ

FIRES | from Page A3

5 fires hit Marawi; No fire truck despite 2018 P85-M fund release Montila posted another e-copy of 2018 SARO amounting to P174.5-million intended for the rehabilitation of the city water district. The P174.5M is broken down as: Operations reactivation of the

Marawi City Water District (P8.7M); Replacement of defective pipelines (P8.9M); purchase of tools and equipment and repair of defective pipelines (P5.2M); extension of pipelines system

((P7.1M); provision of water supply for temporary IDPs‘ shelters (P59M); provision of water supply for permanent shelters (P15.2M); and provision of sewerage system for collection of and treatment

tank overflows at Saronsongan transitional shelter (P70M). Montila hinted no implementation yet of projects programmed under the P174.5M SARO, citing in particular the case of the

P70M sewerage system in Sansongan transitional shelter camp. In a separate post shared in the ―Am,anah Tapatan Forum‖ page, Montila announced that BFP Regional Director for Bangsamoro region

Chief Supt. Victor Vibares directed on Feb. 23 the provincial BFP office to lend one fire truck for Marawi City pending acquisition of its own fire truck(s). ALI G. MACABALANG

PLAN | from Page A10

Plan for ‗madaris‘ graduates, ‗asatiz‘ in BARMM bureaucracy extolled programs for such alumni. In a recent webinar, BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said his technical people were deliberating details of incorporating asatiz and madaris graduates not only into regional school classrooms but also in administrative works related to the current thrust on integrating Arabic and Islamic studies with regular curricula. Iqbal hinted that solving the unfair plight of such unemployed or underemployed Bangsamoro people is imperative in fleshing out the ―inclusive‖ scope of BARMM governance. His pronouncement gained credence in the deliberation of proposed BARMM‘s Civil Service Code by the 80-member regional parliament.

At the Parliament‘s 52 session on Feb. 17 here, Lawyer Paisalin Tago, a parliament member from Lanao del Sur, asserted that the plight of madariz graduates, a satiz, hafis and ulama should be considered in such code. Tago, a former legislative speaker of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the regional civil service law would be the ―pillar‖ of the Administrative Code enacted last year by the parliament. Positive experiences outside BARMM Harnessing madaris graduates and asatiz has been successful albeit initially in the cities of Davao and Gen. Santos and the provinces of Sarannd

gani and South Cotabato, according to Philippine Muslim Today news sources. ―The LGUs (local government units) of Davao City and General Santos City have been giving monthly honoraria to the asatiz teaching in various madaris,‖ Dr. Anshari P. Ali, chancellor of the Mindanao State University-Gen. Santos City (MSU-GSC) campus, said, noting that such cities are predominantly Christian communities. Sarangani, also a Christian-dominated province, asked the MSU-GSC in the year 2005 to assist in crafting means of replicating the Davao and Gen. Santos cities‘ programs, recalled Ali, a doctorate holder in Islamic and Shariah study. Ali said he was des-

ignated assistant project manager of the joint venture of the MSUGSC and Sarangani to conduct survey on existing madaris in the province, identify their asatiz and screen for regular employment or entitlement to monthly honoraria. ―After holding interviews and recommendations for hiring, more than 100 asatidz have gained monthly honoraria from the Sarangani government until now,‖ Ali said. From 2006 to 2010, the Australian basic education assistance for Mindanao (BEAM) engaged the MSU System to implement the Accelerated Teacher Education Program (ATEP) for asatidz, said Ali, who was designated assistant ATEP project manager for Gen. Santos

City. For the MSU-GSC, the ATEP program has combined 60 units of Islamic Studies subjects from the Islamic Studies Department and College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) with more than 80 units on method of teaching subjects in the College of Education, Ali said. ―We have recruited more than 270 asatidz who also graduated from high school level in madaris education. We took them into the program to take a Bachelor of Elementary Education specializing Islamic Studies program. After having completed said degree, they were qualified to take the Licensure Examination for Teacher (LET),‖ he recalled. The LET passers

were appointed as regular elementary and high school teachers at the Department of Education (DepEd) handling Arabic Language and Islamic Values (ALIVE) subjects, he said. Those who did not make it the LET exam have been given monthly honoraria by the local government units in South Cotabato, Sarangani and Gen. Santos City (SOCSARGEN) area while handling ALIVE subjects, he said. Dr. Ali expressed confidence that the governance of BARMM government, being a Muslim-dominated region, can be ―more successful‖ in harnessing the potentials of madaris graduates, a satiz, hafis and ulama when ―proper processes are done.‖ ALI G. MACABALANG

Tourism

Vol. I, No. 37 | Feb 26-Mar 4, 2021 (Rajab 14-20, 1442)

The Chinese Entrepreneurs: A Huge Factor in the Economic Development of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi (Part 3)

Coconut-based cuisines of Maguindanao and the Tausug Piyanggang Manok

"Bangsamoro Halal Dish"

By JOHNNY R. LEE, Ph.D

WITH MARIA FHEBIE ORTIL

Muslim Chef

here were only less than twenty families of Chinese origin who settled in the old town of Bongao after the Philippine liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945.

These families were said to be the ones who patiently engaged in small business enterprises ranging from bread-making (bakery), food vendors, shopkeepers, retailers, traders, sellers of fishing gears (hooks, nylon lines, fishing nets), buyers of marine products and copras which was in abundance coming from the neighboring municipalities. The once obscure ports in the 60’s is now expanded and wider port of Bongao that It is no secret that could accomodate 4-5 medium-sized ships. Chinese settlers and their progenies still carry with them the Confucian values of industry, frugality, self-discipline, and respect for their elders. When they put up their businesses they were content to begin modestly. They tightened their belts, and kept an eye on future and long-term benefits. When they earn profit, they don‘t rush out to buy luxurious items and beautiful homes but rather ploughed this back to grow their business. Unlike their Filipino counterparts, a Chinese is content with a low THE SOUTHERN HOTEL. The first hotel built in Bongao, owned by one of the original profit margin but aiming Chinese migrants who settled in the town. for a high sales vol- raised a family before tunity to expand their busi- quarters. The latter give ume. they went and settled in nesses. them the sense of security It was known from a the town of Bongao. They sighted Bongao to protect their businesses very reliable source that Whilst in the islands, as the future ‗business from marauding pirates the early Chinese mi- some of the Chinese center‘ because it is geo- and bad elements which grants who settled in opened small sari-sari graphically central to other were common in the isBongao came from dif- stores and others tried their adjacent island municipali- lands. A dozen or so of the ferent places in the Sulu hands into fishing ventures ties that can easily be reached by water crafts Chinese families who setand agriculture by planting archipelago notably from coconut trees. Sensing that and has deep shereterd tled in Bongao built their Jolo and Siasi and othbusiness success and de- harbors. Besides, Bongao modest house-cum-store ers who crossed the bor- velopment in the islands hosts a number of govern- adjacent and or fronting der of North Borneo or were so slow due to small ment institutions like the each other with only the Sabah, Malaysia. At first population and hence lack Post Office, Bureau of Cus- dirt road going straight to they settled in the island of buying customers, they toms and Immigration and the improvised semimunicipalities, married a thought of looking for a most of all the then Philip- concrete pier. (To be connative inhabitants and place that offers an oppor- pine Constabulary Head- tinued on the next issue)

With the 37th Issue of Philippine Muslim Today, we will give tribute to some of our Muslim chef. At the beginning of this culinary column we discussed thoroughly culinary dishes introduced by ―Tausug Chef‖ Abdulaziz H. Hamsain, although humble as he is, he vehemently denied to be in the category of Chef. So in this 37th Issue of PMT we would like to discuss about Datu Shariff Pendatun III, a Muslim from Maguindanao, studied in a Catholic school and is part Ilonggo. After writing an essay that placed second in the annual Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award, he now sits as one of its judges. He manages the family‘s farmlands in Mindanao. He is also a trained chef who worked with a food conglomerate and conducted training on Islamic dietary laws, also known as halal. Diners rarely experience his cooking now, but when he does cook in Metro Manila, it takes on an exotic feel. The dishes have unusual names, but its ingredients are familiar — dulaw (turmeric), niyog (mature coconut), urang (ulang, crawfish). Coconut-based cuisines Pendatun concentrated on the coconut-based cuisines of Muslim Mindanao. He started with two Maranao dishes. The Maranaos‘ traditional diet consists of fish caught in the fresh waters of Lake Lanao. A favorite is the haruan or snakehead (dalag). Pendatun cooked Inaluban a Haruan in coconut milk with sweet potato leaves (camote tops). The haruan had eggs which made the dish sumptuous. The second Maranao dish, Urang Piyaren, had big crawfish cooked in grated niyogsautéed in turmeric and chili. The third dish, Lininggil a Kambing, is a Maguindanaoan goat dish cooked with a condiment, palapa, or roasted coconut with spices. The goat is stewed in coconut milk until the sauce is reduced, before the palapa is mixed in. Agar-agar was the main ingredient of the seaweed salad, the Tausug Agalagal. It had thinly sliced green mango with the Tausug version of the palapa or roasted coconut called bubuk. The last main dish is part of the introduction to Muslim Southern Mindanao cooking. The Tausug Piyanggang is a chicken dish with a spice mix called pamapa itum, whose main component was burnt coconut meat. The chicken is rubbed with the pamapa itum with a little oil added, boiled in coconut milk with tanglad or lemongrass, then roasted over charcoal. Maria Fhebie Ortil

Above: The Piyanggang, a Tausug style of cooking a chicken. Below: The Agal-Agal Salad with bubuk, a Tausug version of its Palapa, a Maranao condiment.